Scouting report: Born in Vevey, Switzerland. ... Drafted in 2006, the 13th pick overall, by Chicago Bulls. ... Has 40 starts, including 14 this season, as a professional. ... Father (musician) is from South Africa. Mother (artist) is from France. ... Focuses on charity work in the offseason.

Thabo Sefolosha is hoping Oklahoma City offers a new beginning, a chance for the consistent playing time and clear-cut role that eluded him in Chicago.

"I see it as a fresh start, coming into a young team where I really think I can fit in. I'm really excited about that," said Sefolosha, who the Thunder acquired on Thursday in exchange for a 2009 first-round draft pick.

"They have a spot for me over there. Even if it's not in the starting five, I really hope to bring something to this team."

Sefolosha, a 6-foot-7 swingman, was squeezed out of the Bulls' rotation from the day the team drafted him with the 13th overall pick in 2006. The Bulls' wing players have included Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, Chris Duhon, Andres Nocioni and Larry Hughes. With the Thunder, his main competition will be rookie guard Kyle Weaver.

"I welcome the trade. I think it's going to be a good situation for me," Sefolosha said. "I'm happy to come and play with some very good young players. It's a lot of talent on this team, so I hope I'm going to be able to help the team and showcase my talent."

Thunder coach Scott Brooks said he's familiar with Sefolosha only through what he's seen on film and scouting reports, but he said he likes his defensive mindset and ability to guard three positions. Brooks, however, said he hasn't decided whether Sefolosha will start or come off the bench or play primarily at shooting guard or small forward.

"I love what he brings to the team," Brooks said. "He seems like he does the defensive work that successful teams need to have on their team...He's definitely going to compete for minutes."

Sefolosha, who is 24, can be considered the young, athletic and versatile wing player Thunder general manager Sam Presti has coveted and sought to acquire last summer when he signed Utah restricted free agent guard C.J. Miles to an offer sheet only to see the Jazz match.